As the college football landscape continues to evolve, one question looms large for Ryan Day and Ohio State: how will they tackle their fierce rival, Michigan, now that they have a national championship under their belts? This intriguing dilemma is not just about bragging rights; it’s about redefining priorities in a sport where every game counts.
The Buckeyes and Their Rivalry with Michigan
Ohio State currently finds itself at the pinnacle of college football, but the shadow of Michigan looms large. The Buckeyes have faced a daunting challenge, having lost four consecutive games to the Wolverines, who recently celebrated their own national title victory. This adds a layer of complexity to the rivalry, making it not just a game, but a critical moment for Ohio State to reassess its approach.
Ryan Day’s Approach to the Game
In a recent discussion on The College GameDay Podcast, ESPN’s Rece Davis highlighted the need for a shift in mindset for Day and his team. “How does it impact the way they address Michigan?” Davis asked, emphasizing that while the rivalry is significant, the broader goal of winning a national championship should take precedence. Day has often mentioned that beating Michigan is a top priority, but is it time to recalibrate that focus?
Davis recounted a moment from earlier in the season when Day spoke about the importance of the rivalry before a game against Indiana. “The first thing you mentioned was to beat our rival,” Davis noted. This indicates that while the Buckeyes were preparing for a formidable opponent in Indiana, the mental focus was still heavily tilted towards Michigan. “I think that needs to change,” he asserted.
The Need for a Broader Focus
Day’s fixation on Michigan could be seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fuels the competitive spirit that makes college football thrilling. On the other, it risks overshadowing other crucial aspects of the season. “That’s up to him. He has a trophy,” Davis remarked, suggesting that now that Day has secured a national championship, it might be time to broaden the focus. “It would be healthier for all involved if it changed,” he added.
The challenge lies in balancing the desire to defeat Michigan with the overarching goal of achieving sustained success. “Do we want to beat them? Yes … Do we want to rub it in their face? Yes,” Davis said, capturing the essence of college football rivalries. However, he cautioned against allowing that rivalry to become the sole focus of the program. “Ohio State has had an object lesson,” he explained, pointing to the pressure the team faced in the College Football Playoff after their upset loss to Michigan.
The Impact of the 12-Team Playoff
With the introduction of the 12-team playoff format, the dynamics of college football are changing. “One of the necessities of this playoff is that all teams with these gargantuan rivalries need to be protected,” Davis noted. He argued that while these rivalries are essential to the sport, they cannot become the “be-all-end-all” of a program’s identity. The stakes are higher than ever, and teams must adapt to this new reality.
“There will be years they have both,” Davis stated, referring to the possibility of winning both the rivalry game and the national championship. However, he also acknowledged that there will be seasons when that isn’t feasible. The challenge for Ohio State is to ensure that the rivalry with Michigan does not define their entire season or their legacy.
The Path Forward for Ohio State
Day has been candid about the importance of beating Michigan, especially following their third consecutive loss to the Wolverines. The pressure is palpable, particularly with Michigan’s recent success in capturing a national title. This context makes the upcoming matchups even more critical for Ohio State, as they seek to reclaim their status in the rivalry.
“When you start stating things like that, it’s almost like the reason they kept getting asked about Michigan was because of the way they treated Michigan,” Davis pointed out. This highlights the need for a cultural shift within the program. The focus should not solely be on defeating Michigan but on building a championship-caliber team that can compete at the highest level consistently.
As Ohio State prepares for the future, the question remains: can they find the right balance between honoring the rivalry and pursuing broader goals? The Buckeyes have the talent and the resources to succeed, but they must also embrace a mindset that prioritizes overall program success. It’s a delicate dance, but one that could define the legacy of Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program for years to come.
